Access to Healthy Food

Description: Access to healthy food is a pressing social and economic issue for Washtenaw County, highlighted by 52% of 2023 community survey respondents. Focus group insights shed light on the prevalence of food deserts in Washtenaw County, where residents struggle to find nutritious options. Limited access to affordable, nutritious food poses significant public health risks. It's linked to various chronic conditions like diabetes, obesity, and heart disease, as well as mental health conditions.

What the data say:

  • 1 in 10 Washtenaw County residents experienced food insecurity at some point during 2022.
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Compared to the MI Value (11.7%), Washtenaw has a value of 9.6% which is lower and better. Compared to the MI Value (11.7%), Washtenaw has a value of 9.6% which is lower and better.
Food Insecurity Rate
(Compared to MI State Value)
Compared to MI Counties, Washtenaw has a value of 8.2 which is in the best 50% of counties. Counties in the best 50% have a value higher than 7.5 while counties in the worst 25% have a value lower than 7.2. Compared to MI Counties, Washtenaw has a value of 8.2 which is in the best 50% of counties. Counties in the best 50% have a value higher than 7.5 while counties in the worst 25% have a value lower than 7.2.
Food Environment Index
(Compared to MI Counties)
Compared to MI Counties, Washtenaw has a value of 11.6% which is in the best 50% of counties. Counties in the best 50% have a value lower than 14.6% while counties in the worst 25% have a value higher than 15.8%. Compared to MI Counties, Washtenaw has a value of 11.6% which is in the best 50% of counties. Counties in the best 50% have a value lower than 14.6% while counties in the worst 25% have a value higher than 15.8%.
Projected Food Insecurity Rate
(Compared to MI Counties)
Compared to the prior value, Washtenaw (6.8%) is less and better than the previously measured value (8.8%). Compared to the prior value, Washtenaw (6.8%) is less and better than the previously measured value (8.8%).
Child Food Insecurity Rate
(Compared to Prior Value)

County: Washtenaw

Themes from Interviews and Focus Groups

  • Access to healthy food options (youth)
  • Challenges in maintaining traditional healthy diet (Latinx community)
  • Lack of nutrition knowledge
  • Local food deserts

"I think really being proactive when it comes to nutrition and health with our youth is something that I think would be major and it will really help to change the trajectory of health within our communities."

-- Interview participant

County : Washtenaw

Food Insecurity Rate

9.6%

MI Counties
MI Counties

U.S. Counties
U.S. Counties

MI Value
MI Value

US Value
US Value

Prior Value
Prior Value

Trend
Trend

This indicator shows the percentage of the population that experienced food insecurity at some point during the year.
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Food Insecurity Rate
Data Source: Feeding America
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"The loss of the grocery store and pharmacy, left to [community members] trying to figure out, like, how do I get the things I need? Now, I've got to add one more step of figuring out, you know, how do I get a ride, or try to do a bus or, or whatever the options might be. And they were very, very limiting."

-- Interview participant